VISITORS to Runcorn's Norton Priory museum are to benefit from state-of-the-art education facilities after £231,000 was secured through the National Lottery Fund.

The bumper aid package, designed to support national buildings of public heritage, comes shortly after the museum and its gardens was short-listed for the Gulbenkian Arts prize.

The cash investment will develop Norton Priory's award-winning work with the community, while strengthening the museum's reputation as a national inspiration in the field of heritage education.

Steve Miller, the museum director, said that by out-bidding other competitors through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Trust can now sustain its close relationship with Halton schools.

The grant will also allow Norton Priory staff to branch out and work in care homes for the elderly, while introducing displays into community centres.

The concept of improved access to education is also likely to reach people who are house-bound and unable to visit the site.

Mr Miller said: 'It's absolutely fantastic. It's been a long wait, and it's a fantastic opportunity for us now. It's what we've been hoping to achieve for many years. Above all, it's a chance to get out into the community.

'I think the Gulbenkian prize has helped raise our profile.

'Locally, it will create lots of opportunities and I am very excited about that.'

He added: 'It will encourage the local community to get involved in Runcorn and Widnes in a way we have never done before.

'In terms of how they would like to use the site it gives the community a say, instead of us telling them what's on offer.

'It will benefit people who can't make it to the museum for whatever reason, perhaps if they are elderly or disabled - and so it's a case of getting Norton Priory to come to them.

'We can even work with people on their own patch by packing historical objects of archeological value into boxes, and taking them out to local libraries or community centres.'

The funding will create three new temporary posts and Halton volunteers will be trained in a variety of new skills to offer the community.

Past projects undertaken by volunteer group the Astmoor Day Services include building a medieval herb garden on the site grounds.

Mr Miller added: 'The grant has created three new posts, two full time, and one part time, and for three years they'll be going out to work in the community.

'We'll be allowing the community to use us in a way that benefits them for training and opportunities that we haven't done before because of the money issue.

'This is a unique project, and it has proved to be a project of the judges' liking.'

Trust chairman Paul Matthews said: 'We are delighted to get such exciting news only a few months after our recent awards successes and our appearance on BBC2's Hidden Gardens.

'We would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for this opportunity to expand our services for Halton residents in a number of different ways.'

Tony Jones, the regional manager for HLF in the North West, said: 'We are thrilled to be supporting this project.

'Norton Priory boasts a range of heritage features and it is vital that this great resource is accessible.

'This funding will maximise local participation by helping raise awareness among and engage with those who would not normally visit the site.'

In celebration of National Archeology day, staff at Norton Priory are laying on a host of events and activities this weekend. Visitors will be treated to a guided tour of the museum herb gardens as well as an exploration of the site ruins.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Saturday and Sunday's events, which run from 1-4pm, can contact the priory on 01928 569 895.